Everyone Gains From AmeriCorps

Partisan Republicans are wrong to attack President Bush’s inclusion of funds for AmeriCorps in his federal budget. It is a solid program--essentially a cheap investment that results not only in a lifetime of volunteerism but also in hours and funds far exceeding initial federal dollars.

Former Gov. Pete Wilson, when exploring a run for president, knew the importance of AmeriCorps dollars to the state of California. The state’s Republican establishment hotly charged that California shouldn’t accept funds from President Clinton’s program.

Standing up to the pressure and doing what was right for the state, Wilson ensured requirements were met but ultimately accepted the money.

America’s history was built on the kind gestures of others. Our government should seek ways to encourage volunteerism.

Originally a Clinton administration program, AmeriCorps offers a $4,725 education grant and small living allowance that amounts to about minimum wage. In exchange, the 50,000 members nationwide, nearly 7,000 here in California, work in education, health and human services, public safety and on the environment.

AmeriCorps has enjoyed a huge bump in interest since Sept. 11. People are looking for ways to do their part to help our country stand strong. AmeriCorps helps them find a way to do so. As a Wilson appointee to the California Commission on Improving Life through Service (renamed GO SERV by Gov. Davis), I oversaw the state’s many AmeriCorps programs and monitored the more than $17 million--now more than $30 million--that benefited our poor and neglected. Any state governor, including a former Texas governor, George W. Bush, will tell you these federal funds work wonders.

The program results in tangible results. In California, $35 million in grants go to 61 programs operated by existing nonprofit and public agencies.

Each of these organizations must be able to leverage their AmeriCorps grants with matching funds, or they will not receive the grant dollars. With these funds, the nearly 7,000 participants are tutoring and mentoring children and youth in classroom and after-school settings--targeting poorly performing schools and students in low-income neighborhoods throughout California.

They are reaching out to homeless veterans, immigrants and other economically challenged populations with health and social services. They link people to local resources and enroll families with children in Medi-Cal programs. Members help preserve our state’s natural habitat and teach the next generation the importance of doing the same.

California gains incredibly dedicated service people who make our state a better place, in exchange for paying minimum wage and offering members a chance to go to college. Who loses?

We all gain. If we tried to accomplish what AmeriCorps members achieve each year, we would be facing budget deficits here in California for years to come. These members have proved what they can get done in our communities across the state, and it is incredible.

The numbers are very real. For example, the Child Abuse Prevention Council reports decreasing child abuse and neglect by 24%; AmeriCorps members provide intensive at-home visitation services on behalf of that organization.

From fixing up shelters in Fresno, to visiting vulnerable families in Sacramento, tutoring in Los Angeles to picking vegetables for food banks in Orange County, AmeriCorps allows people to dedicate themselves to helping others.

Clearly it is necessary to ensure stringent oversight is in place to guarantee these funds are spent wisely and well. But with those guidelines, there is no reason why this program should be abandoned.